Since April of 1991, volunteer paralegals have staffed an evening pro bono unit at the offices of the Central Virginia Legal Aid Society (CVLAS), 101 W. Broad St., Richmond, Virginia. The purpose of the program is to help provide legal services to citizens of the community who would not otherwise be able to avail themselves of adequate legal representation and to assist the legal community in its commitment to provide improved pro bono legal services.

The volunteers work under the supervision of a CVLAS staff attorney and are covered by CVLAS malpractice insurance. Participants are encouraged but not required to hold active membership in the Richmond Paralegal Association.

The unit operates Monday through Thursday, from approximately 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Each participant is expected to commit at least three hours per month for a one-year period. The program maintains an average roster of fifteen participants.

New participants must complete a Contract of Confidentiality, a CVLAS volunteer application and a Participant Data Sheet. They must review and become familiar with the CVLAS Code of Ethics for Volunteers and CVLAS Guidelines for Volunteers. They are provided with written intake guidelines, LCS eligibility guidelines and instructions on completing intake forms. In addition, Freddie Goode, CVLAS staff attorney, is always present in the event a participant needs his guidance.

Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) Intake: Under the supervision of Mr. Goode, participants screen potential SSDI clients for eligibility requirements. Upon establishing client eligibility, participants obtain information from the client to complete appropriate forms. Thereafter, participants assist Mr. Goode in his representation of the client by drafting correspondence to obtain medical records, organizing and analyzing medical records, scheduling follow up meetings with the client, general file organization, routine correspondence, and preparation for hearings.

Miscellaneous Matters: Subject to Mr. Goode's needs, the participants also assist with other active matters by drafting routine correspondence, proofreading wills and other legal documents, organizing files and photocopying and organizing documents.